Sunday, 12 October 2014

Mountain Bothies- Celebrating 50 years of the MBA

"Anyone who travels in the remoter
parts of the country will almost certainly have come across a mountain bothy.
These are usually old cottages or farm buildings which, with the agreement of
the owners, have been restored as basic shelters, open to all.

Over 100 such shelters are
maintained by volunteers from the Mountain Bothies Association. This book tells
the story of how Bernard Heath formed the Association 50 years ago. It recalls
how some of the buildings which are today’s bothies were found. It includes the history of some of these buildings and of the people who once lived in them. It includes
tales of work parties, some of which have found their way into MBA folklore, and
shows that although materials and methods of working may have changed, the
enthusiasm of volunteers has not. Illustrated by photographs, line drawings,
and cartoons, it is a celebration of 50 years of activity by volunteers who take delight in
maintaining simple shelters in remote
country for the use and benefit of all who love wild and lonely places."It is essential reading for anyone who uses or has used these unique shelters.

1 comment:

I met Bernard a couple of times repairing bothies in the far north years ago. Although wood burning stoves are more fuel efficient I still miss the open fires that used to be in most... must be an age thing. I'm glad there are still so many open though in 2014 thanks to volunteers like yourself.

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About Me

I have been hillwalking for many years. Most of my walking has been done in Scotland, although I have also walked in a number of European ranges including the Alps and also in the USA. I have compleated the Munros and most of the Corbetts and am now tackling some of the other hills on the Marilyn list. Nowadays, I prefer to walk in good weather conditions when I can see and appreciate the scenery around me! I got a regular hill-walking companion in late 2010- a springer spaniel called Ben who just loves his trips to the hills.
This blog records my hillwalking trips from the beginning of 2010.